PRAGUE (Czech Republic) - In a tense and loud contest, it was the Finnish side of the stands that cheered the loudest at the end. Finland had to win to avoid elimination and prevailed 98-88 over Czech Republic to seal their passage to Berlin.

Turning point: Finland were in charge from start to finish, but a resilient Czech Republic crawled back to single digits and tried making it interesting in the final five minutes. Lauri Markkanen had no intentions of allowing it. A step-back three-pointer, plus an alley-oop dunk brought the house down in Prague, earning Susijengi their standing ovation as they left the floor.

TCL Player of the Game: Lauri, Lauri, Lauri... Markkanen is in an unbelievable shape, he had 34 points with 10 rebounds in this one, meaning he has got his second 30-point double-double in four games. 

Stats don't lie: Not a lot you can do when Finland hit 15-of-32 from beyond the arc. Sasu Salin is responsible for five of those, all coming in the first 25 minutes of the game.

Bottom line: Finland did their part, and will look to finish at 3-2 to get a better match-up in the Round of 16. Even if they lose to the Netherlands in their last game in Prague, and there is a three-way tie at with Finland, Israel and Czech Republic, Lassi Tuovi's team would not be the odd man out.

Czech Republic have one last chance against Israel, if Serbia help them out with a win later on Tuesday. Tomas Satoransky was active again, and dished out 10 assists in 25 minutes of work. Vojtech Hruban led the scoring with 22 for coach Ronen Ginzburg.

They said:

FIBA